Pastor Apollo Quiboloy clarifies with long-time friend Rodrigo Duterte.
The leader of religious group “Kingdom of Jesus Christ” Partor Apollo Quiboloy denied rift with presumptive President Rodrigo Duterte, following reports that he was allegedly shut off by people surrounding the outgoing Davao City mayor.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Pastor Quiboloy said that he understands that the mayor became unreachable after the election due to a lot of work.
“Nauunawan ko kasi si mayor ay masyadong busy at yung mga pagkakataong iyun, ilang araw masyado nang busy at ilang araw din busy din ako dito,” he said.
Quiboloy’s spokesperson Mike Abe earlier claimed that the church leader was hurt after Duterte did not consult him for his choice of cabinet members. He also said that Quiboloy was apparently blocked to see Duterte.
On the other hand, KJC executive secretary Eleanor Cardona said that the remarks of Abe may have been affected by his personal opinions.
He also clarified that he holds no grudge against Duterte, saying that he is always behind him to support his administration.
“Gusto kong malaman ng buong bansa na we are squarely behind him, supported ko po ang public career ni Mayor Duterte from when we became friends 30 years ago hanggang ngayon,” he continued.
Meanwhile, the camp of Rodrigo Duterte has already apologized to Pastor Quiboloy, saying that the snubbing incident was not intentional. Spokersperson Peter Laviña stressed that the Mayor’s staff are the ones arranging his activities and appointments.
The KJC leader is one of the campaign supporters of Duterte. In fact, he lent his private jet and helicopter to the mayor to attend his campaign sorties across the country.